We practice the art of Soo Bahk Do through the technical and philosophical guidance of the Moo Duk Kwan. One provides the movement; the other provides the meaning. To understand Soo Bahk Do is to understand the Moo Duk Kwan. Founded by Chang Shi Ja Hwang Kee, the Moo Duk Kwan is the philosophical core of our art. It translates to the “School of Martial Virtue,” and it serves as our guiding compass.
We believe that the ultimate goal of martial arts is not the destruction of an opponent, but the cultivation of the self. By integrating the Moo Do (Martial Way) philosophy into every technique, we strive to become individuals of higher character who contribute to peace and harmony in our communities.
5 Moo Do Values
The 5 Moo Do values are the backbones of our proud Moo Do identity. These values coexist interdependently with each element strengthening the meaning of the other four.
“When we apply the 5 Moo Do values to our daily training we strengthen our self not only as a Moo Do practitioner, but also as an individual who provides a positive influence within our society.” — H.C. Hwang, Kwan Jang Nim
Detailed information can be found on the official Soo Bahk Do website
- Lyok Sa (History)
- Jon Tong (Tradition)
- Chul Hak (Philosophy)
- Neh Khang Weh Yu (Discipline/Respect)
- Ki Sool (Technique)
8 Key Concepts
Chang Shi Ja Hwang Kee created the 8 Key Concepts (Pal Key) to provide a “bridge” between the physical movements of Soo Bahk Do and the mental/spiritual growth of the practitioner. He recognized that without a clear set of guiding principles, the practice of martial arts risks losing its deeper purpose, shifting from a path of self-improvement to a mere pursuit of athletic competition or physical force. The 8 Key Concepts act as a moral compass for the physical power gained through training.
| Concept (Korean) | Literal/Component Translation | English Translation | Philosophical Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yong Gi | Yong (Brave) + Gi (Energy/Spirit) | Courage | Overcoming fear to take action. |
| Chung Shin Tong Il | Chung Shin (Mind/Spirit) + Tong Il (Unify/One) | Concentration | Focus of mind and body on a single point. |
| In Neh | In (Patience) + Neh (Endure/Internalize) | Endurance | The ability to persevere through hardship. |
| Chung Jik | Chung (Correct) + Jik (Straight/Upright) | Honesty | Being truthful to oneself and others. |
| Kyum Son | Kyum (Yielding) + Son (Modesty) | Humility | Recognizing one’s place and respecting others. |
| Him Cho Chung | Him (Power) + Cho Chung (Adjust/Regulate) | Control of Power | Using the right amount of energy at the right time. |
| Shin Chook | Shin (Expand/Stretch) + Chook (Contract) | Tension and Relaxation | The physical and mental flow of the art. |
| Wan Gup | Wan (Loose/Slow) + Gup (Urgent/Fast) | Speed Control | Mastery of timing and rhythm. |
10 Articles of Faith
The 10 Articles of Faith serve as the “Code of Conduct” for members of the Moo Duk Kwan. While the 8 Key Concepts focus on the individual’s internal development, the 10 Articles of Faith focus on how the practitioner relates to society and authority.
These articles demonstrate that Soo Bahk Do is a disciplined, civic-minded art that promotes traditional family and community values. Chang Shi Ja Hwang Kee established these to ensure that students remained grounded in their responsibilities as citizens. They are essentially a set of ethical boundaries that prevent the misuse of martial arts and encourage “Human Virtue.”
Song of the Sip Sam Seh (13 Influences or postures)
The Sip Sam Seh is an integral part of the art of Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan philosophy and foundation of our internal power. We learn to move with the harmony of nature, developing a power that is both soft and strong. It is divided into two (2) areas:
- Yu Sang (Um energy): Things that are visible and the Five Elements (O-Heang): Wood – Fire – Water – Metal – Earth
- Moo Sang (Yang energy): Things that are not visible and the Eight Directions (Pal Gweh): the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, & west) and the four corner directions (NE, NW, SE, SW)
The inter-relationship of these 13 elements compose the dynamics or Um/Yang within the Sip Sam Seh. Chang Shi Ja Hwang Kee integrated these concepts after his time in China to ensure Soo Bahk Do was not just a “hard” external style, but a “soft” internal one as well.
Mission 2000
Mission 2000 was officially established and announced by Chang Shi Ja Hwang Kee in 1989.
It was introduced during the Moo Duk Kwan’s 44th Anniversary celebration. While the name “Mission 2000” pointed toward the upcoming millennium, its purpose was to set a long-term vision for the art that would sustain it well beyond the year 2000.
Mission 2000 is the organization’s commitment to Human Relationships. While many martial arts focus on competition or combat, Mission 2000 focuses on how the art can improve the way we interact with the world and each other.
As members of the Soo Bahk Do community, we are dedicated to the goals of Mission 2000. Our practice is not just about physical technique; it is about building better Human Relationships.
By embodying the values of the Moo Duk Kwan, we strive to reduce conflict in our lives and promote harmony in our neighborhoods. We train to strengthen our bodies, but we live to strengthen our connections with others.
- Human Relationships – National: Continue to develop the atmosphere of Respect, Courtesy, Friendship, Brotherhood, Cooperation and Goodwill within the Soo Bahk Do membership.
- Human Relationships – International: The atmosphere identified in number one above should become consistent throughout the world.
- Moo Do Organization: We are a Martial Arts (Moo Do) organization. We must continue to develop as a Martial Arts organization.
- Administration of the Organization: The Officers and the Board of Directors should take a more active role regarding the administration of the Federation.
- Members Organization: This is a members organization. We must all work to produce a caring and helping atmosphere for mutual benefit.
- Financial Stability: We should take a more aggressive approach toward creating a financially stable organization.